Reading PA Fire Department

At 0136 this morning, Box 616 was struck for 2029 Alsace Rd. Initial reports stated the resident awoke to find smoke in his apartment and paint bubbling in his bathroom. E9 and L3 arrived on location to find a 2 story Garden Apartment with heavy smoke throughout out the 2nd floor apartment. Crews found charing on the ceiling of the bathroom, reported a working fire and began stretching lines.

Units discovered heavy fire in a common loft area extending throughout the entire building. Attack crews opened the area while crews from Rescue 1 evacuated the complex and performed searches in involved areas. Ladder 3's crew was deployed to the roof to prepare for roof operation, if needed. The fire was quickly brought under control limiting the damage to the original apartment with minor water and overhaul damage to the 1st floor. FM 10 is conducting the investigation to determine cause. Crews were kept busy with extensive overhaul to the loft area and void spaces between the 1st and 2nd floors.

The members were forced to battle low temperatures and ice that had formed from firefighting operations.

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